The Many Health Benefits of Bifidobacterium Lactis

You’ve most likely been hearing the praises of probiotics lately, and it’s no surprise why. Research on probiotics has suggested health benefits ranging from digestive support to promoting healthy cholesterol. But which strains of “good bacteria” should you be incorporating into your daily regimen? In our probiotic series, we take a look at four of the most beneficial strains of probiotics. The third strain in the four-part series is Bifidobacterium Lactis.

Bifidobacterium Lactis is used as a probiotic in a variety of foods, particularly dairy products like yogurt, and is also included in baby food. It is very valuable to the body in making sure you have an ample supply of “good” bacteria to overrule the damage caused by the bad bacteria within your system.

Henry Tissier discovered Bifidobacteria in 1900 and Tissier was the first to suggest that Bifidobacteria might be therapeutic for the relief of intestinal disorders. Unfortunately, he wasn’t taken all that seriously at that time and the positive effects of this probiotic weren’t demonstrated again until 1950.

The most important effects noted were that Bifidobacteria is able to alter pro-carcinogenic enzymes, prevent pro-carcinogens and suppress tumors. Although there are many species of bifidobacterium, some of the more important ones are B. bifidum, B. longum, B. infantis and B. lactis.

B. Lactius has been under researcher’s scopes for a while now with recent results showing that it has many immunological properties, meaning it will provide an excellent resistance to harmful or toxic microbes as well as decreasing the effects from bad bacteria. Bifidobacterium Lactis resists the digestion of acid and the action of bile salts, while allowing it to travel to the colon in larger doses to offer its protection from harmful toxins or inflammation.

Perhaps what this friendly and good bacterium is most known for is its ability to stimulate the body’s immune response. It was proven particularly effective in enhancing cellular immunity in the elderly. This was shown with patients who consumed fermented products containing B. Lactis, as they had a large increase in the number and size of activated helper T lymphocytes. Their immune cells’ ability to surround and destroy bad bacteria had also increased. The patients or subjects that previously had the worst immune responses were the ones that showed the most improvement after doses of Bifidobacterium Lactis.

Bifidobacterium Lactis is an excellent dietary supplement for the stomach and intestinal tract as it is very effective in resisting acid digestion, preventing diarrhea, relieving constipation and decreasing chronic pain and inflammation of the colon, making it very valuable for your large intestine. In addition to its many other health benefits, Bifidobacterium Lactis is also very beneficial in preventing and treating atopic eczema in children with food allergies.

Researchers studying Bifidobacterium Lactis have demonstrated that it has the ability to protect epithelial cells from damage by gliadin exposure. People that suffer from celiac disease can develop serious intestinal symptoms and a damaged small bowel mucosa for wheat gliadin. If untreated, the patient is at risk of developing various cancers and other similar conditions.

Typically, the only treatment for his problem has been a gluten-free diet all your life, which is almost impossible. However, after testing and independent studies, it was determined that Bifidobacterium Lactis was able to block the toxic effects of wheat glaidin. There is also further research going on to determine its potential as a dietary supplement for preventing damage done to celiac disease patients from accidental gluten contamination.

This beneficial probiotics product can be obtained in supplement form or in many fermented foods, many available in health food stores. For more information on probiotic supplementation, visit the Bacteral website.

Disclaimer: Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant as a substitute for medical advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your physician or health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.